Tian Yonghang announced the promotion of another academy talent to the main squad today, with 17 year-old forward Gandhik Chitre assigned the Number Nineteen shirt only recently vacated by Chu Xin Lee, and worn by the influential Domenik Bögengang before that. Chitre made his name with a fine hat-trick against Egenbüttel Junioren, with his manner and bearing drawing some comparisons to Tian himself.

Such were modestly denied by the youngster, who professed to be hugely appreciative at just being given the chance. "It was hard to imagine getting into the senior side - what more, with Lim, Chia and Marzuki! This is more than a dream come true."

Tian would urge the newest member of the Birds to shoot for the stars, while also declaring that Chitre would spend much of his first few seasons at least learning to direct play from the middle. "I have few worries about his instinct for goal - it's him getting an idea of how to create those positions that's of concern."

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